CPI(M) Urges Wider Consultation On Women’s Reservation Bill

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has called for wider consultations on the proposed legislation for women’s reservation in legislatures, raising concerns over the Centre’s approach to linking the quota with delimitation and seat expansion.

In a statement issued on Friday, the CPI(M) Politburo reiterated its support for reserving one-third of seats for women in Parliament and state assemblies. However, the party objected to the proposed framework that ties implementation of the quota to an increase in the total number of seats through a delimitation exercise. The proposed plan reportedly seeks to expand the Lok Sabha to 816 seats, with 273 reserved for women.

The party referred to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, under which women’s reservation is currently linked to the completion of the Census and subsequent delimitation. It argued that such linkage could significantly delay implementation, potentially pushing the rollout beyond the 2029 general elections. CPI(M) noted that it had raised similar concerns earlier while still supporting the legislation in principle.

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Criticising the government, the party alleged that fresh proposals have been introduced without adequate consultation with opposition parties, despite repeated demands for an all-party meeting. It also pointed out that key prerequisites, such as the constitution of a Delimitation Commission and the commencement of the Census, have not yet been fulfilled.

The CPI(M) further objected to the timing of the proposal, stating that introducing such measures while multiple state assembly elections are underway raises concerns about political intent. It described the move as potentially aimed at securing electoral advantage rather than fostering consensus on a significant constitutional reform.

The party has demanded that the proposals be postponed to allow detailed discussions with political parties and state governments. It also suggested that women’s reservation could be implemented from the 2029 general elections by amending the law to remove its linkage with delimitation and Census processes. Meanwhile, sources indicate that the Union Cabinet, chaired by Narendra Modi, has approved draft bills to amend the law, with a special parliamentary session scheduled from April 16 to 18 where the legislation is expected to be taken up.

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